Pothole Ecosystems

Atop the rocky canyon wall above Valley of Boulders in Charon's Garden Wilderness, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, OK, potholes are temporarily filled with water from recent heavy rains. It was sufficient for grass to thrive and, believe it or not, dozens of tadpoles! Imaged in June 2007.

Yeah, it was pretty neat to stumble upon these while climbing to to top of Valley of Boulders. I think these are pretty rare, but we'd had an exceptionally wet spring and summer and that allowed the potholes to thrive. Thanks for looking and commenting! --mark d.

Yes, Oklahoma. And, in fact, in just a few minutes I'm headed out to spend the morning in the Wichita Mountains to celebrate my 60th birthday. It's a great place and so unexpected for what most people think of as a flat state. Thanks for looking! --mark d.